Is there anything complex about the fact that with two countries — India and China — having rapid economic growth, and with combined populations 8 times that of the United States, they are creating an increased demand for the world's oil supply?

The problem is not that supply and demand is such a complex explanation. The problem is that supply and demand is not an emotionally satisfying explanation. For that, you need melodrama, heroes and villains.

It is clear that many people prefer to blame President Bush. Others prefer to blame the oil companies, who have long been the favorite villains of the left.

Cauliflowerets -- AKA cauliflorets -- unfiltered. Cutting the head into quarters first makes it easy as pie to remove the stems and leaves to make Silky Cauliflower Soup (recipe below).

Dr. Sanity takes it from there:

This is what passes for heroism these days: finding new and creative ways to avoid reality; exploiting and empowering the inner 'victim' of people who don't want to deal with the real world by changing their own behavior.

A midday Cold Turkey Cookbook plateful of small portions of a variety of good things to eat. Clockwise from left: Silky Cauliflower Soup, Chelsea Baked Beans half sandwich with mayo, half an orange and plain yogurt with a dollop of puréed ready-to-serve prunes.

Silky Cauliflower Soup

Chop cauliflower into quarters, cut out and discard core and leaves, break up into medium-sized florets and rinse in a colander.

Steam florets, together with five chopped roasted -- or fresh -- garlic cloves, in the top of a steamer about 20 minutes until tender.

Purée in a food processor and return to pan (bottom of steamer). Add 1 1/2 cups fat-free chicken broth, a few sprigs of chopped chives and freshly ground pepper to taste and slowly bring to the boil, stirring to blend. Serve hot or cold.